Elfrid Payton Speaks On Declaring For The NBA Draft

Reports surfaced last week that Louisiana Ragin' Cajun point guard Elfrid Payton would forgo his senior season and declare for the NBA draft. The school and Payton would not confirm his status, until now.

Payton released the following statement through the University regarding his decision.

“This has been a long and engaging process for both me and my family. First, I would like thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to make a decision like this. I would also like to thank my family, coaches and the people close to me that have helped me gather information during this process.

"With that said, I am excited to announce that I will forgo my final year of eligibility at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and will be entering the 2014 NBA Draft. I sincerely want to say ‘thank you’ to my coaches, my teammates, and most importantly the great Ragin’ Cajun fans that have supported me during the last three seasons. This has been a great three years where I've grown up, both on and off the court. I will be Cajun forever. Thank you for everything.”

In 3 years at UL, Payton made quite an impact. Last season, he was the only player in Division I NCAA basketball who averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. He was named the Sun Belt Conference defensive player of the year, and was one of ten D1 players this season to register a triple-double.

Last month, he was honored with the Lefty Driesell award which is awarded to the best defensive player in the Country.

Payton is projected to be a first round pick by DraftExpress.com.

All of us at ESPN1420 and espn1420.com wish Payton the best on his future in the NBA and beyond.